INSULIN SENSITIVITY TEST USING A SOMATOSTATIN ANALOG, OCTREOTIDE (SANDOSTATIN(R))

To assess the validity of the steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) metho d using octreotide (Sandostatin(R)), we compared the SSPG method with the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique in ten non-obese, insu lin-dependent diabetic patients. The SSPG method was performed by intr avenous infusion of octreotide (0.5 mu g/min), insulin (2 mU/kg/min) a nd glucose (9 mg/kg/min) for 180 min. Octreotide suppressed endogenous growth hormone, glucagon and insulin secretion. A steady state condit ion was reached by 90 min, and the mean value of SSPG at 150 and 180 m in was used as the index of insulin sensitivity. The euglycemic hyperi nsulinemic clamp technique was performed with an artificial endocrine pancreas (Biostator(R)), and insulin sensitivity was expressed as the glucose disposal rate (GDR) from 150-180 min. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.91, p < 0.001) between the results of the two metho ds. In conclusion, measurement of SSPG, using octreotide to suppress e ndogenous insulin secretion, is a reliable method to assess insulin se nsitivity in man.